Maratha quota protests: 3 cops suspended for lathicharge; wrong message to rank & file, say senior officers

Earlier, Jalna Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi was held responsible for the police brutality on the protestors. He was sent on compulsory leave and transferred out of the district. However, senior police officers feel that the stringent action being taken against the police based on demands made by the other side will send a wrong message to the rank and file.

The order issued suspending Khade read, “Mr. Rahul Khade, Additional Superintendent of Police, District Jalna prima facie committed misconduct by misusing his position as a public servant under the Maharashtra Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 1979 ..”

“…Khade… is responsible for lathicharge on a protester during the Maratha agitation at Mauje Antarwali, Sarati, District Jalna on 01/09/2023 and for conduct unbecoming a public servant in a public place under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979…,” said the order.

“…disciplinary proceedings are planned to be initiated against Rahul Khade…he is suspended from government service with effect from the date of this Government Order. The government further directs that as long as the order of suspension is subsisting…he (Khade) will not be allowed to leave the headquarters without the prior permission of the Superintendent of Police, Jalna.’ A similar order was issued against Aghav.

An IPS officer requesting anonymity said, “If you see some of the videos, even the policemen are being beaten up. If strong action was not taken, the situation would have spiralled out of control. Next time when protesters go on a rampage, policemen will think twice before intervening.”